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Physical Anthropology What is Anthropology? Anthropology is the study of human life throughout history. It aims to describe what it means to be human. Two MAJOR Branches of Anthropology PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY …tries to understand and define the physical and biological nature of human beings. Two MAJOR Branches of Anthropology CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY …studies human beings in different cultural settings around the world. What is Physical Anthropology? Studies humans as biological organisms and tries to differentiate humans from other species. Some anthropologists trace the origins of humans, while others study biological similarities and differences among humans today. Physical anthropologists use the research of natural (physical) sciences more than any other social science. – Includes working with fossils, examining and testing artifacts, and working with other evidence/remnants of human life. – Can also include measuring, recording, and comparing physical information about living humans. Charles Darwin Physical anthropology has its roots in the theories of Charles Darwin – Published his theory of evolution in “On the Origin of Species” in 1859. Darwin proposed that no two members of a species are exactly alike due to differences / variations caused by biological inheritance and adaptation to the environment. Darwin theorized that members of a species that survive will pass on their unique characteristics to their offspring. This is known as “natural selection.” Darwin concluded that the similarities found in humans must mean that we all originate from a common ancestor. Important Findings in Physical Anthropology In 1924, Raymond Dart found a species of human who lived up to 3 million years ago in South Africa (was a skull and fossilized brain) – The skull had many human traits but the brain was near the size of a primate’s. – This species was named australopithecus africanus. australopithecus africanus australopithecus africanus Important Findings In 1959, Mary and Louis Leakey found evidence at Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania that confirmed the earliest human beings had lived in Africa. The Olduvai Gorge – “The Cradle of Mankind” Important Findings In 1974 Donald Johanson found 40% of a skeleton of a early human in Ethiopia. He named the skeleton ‘Lucy’ after a popular Beatles song. “Lucy” How are Humans Different From Other Species? Humans belong to the biological group called “primates” (the highest order of mammals). We are not direct descendants of chimpanzees or gorillas, but we may have a common ancestor. The genetic make-up between humans and primates only differs by 1 or 2 percent. We share many physical and social characteristics – this is why we look to primates for clues that may shed light on the evolution of humans and human behaviour. SIMILARITIES – Opposable thumbs – Binocular vision – A highly developed brain with the capacity to learn – Children are dependant longer on their parents – Both are social creatures – Have a capacity for aggression and defence of territory DIFFERENCES - Bipedalism Capacity to communicate complex and abstract ideas through language - Many anthropologists believe language is what finally separates us from all other species and has helped us survive and prosper. How did Humans Become Human? There is much debate surrounding human evolution. – Some say that aggressive and warlike traits encouraged early humans to develop and use tools and to develop and use language. Others believe that our social skills and ability to get along in groups was critical in developing our thinking skills – Living in social groups requires memory, ability to recognize others and learn from others, and the ability draw upon that knowledge. – Jane Lancaster